Seán Hillen - Photomontage artist

Hillen (1961) studied at Belfast College of Art, LCP and the Slade School. Now recognized as one of the most significant Irish artists of his generation, Hillen first became known in the U.K. for his early photomontage works based on his own documentary photos of the Northern Irish 'Troubles'. In the 1990’s he moved back to Dublin from London and began a new series of collage works titled ‘IRELANTIS’, which have been described as “the most vivid and emblematic expression of the dreams and anxieties of Celtic Tiger Ireland”.

The ‘IRELANTIS’ collages have become part of the Irish cultural landscape, for instance featuring on the covers of almost 20 books, magazines and journals, and being the subject of academic studies on aspects of contemporary Ireland. Hillen has also executed commissions and collaborations including video for Super Furry Animals; stage design; advertisements; title graphics and permanent sculptures for Citigroup and Dublin City Council.
For multiple award- & prize-winning artist Hillen, winning the international design competition, with landscape architect Desmond Fitzgerald, for the Omagh Bomb Memorial which was unveiled in August 2008, deserves a special mention. Hillen’s work is held in many private- and public collections.

Seán Hillen lives and works in Dublin.